Roseanna's Grave (1997)

Roseanna is dying of a heart condition, and all she wants is to be buried next to her daughter, in a cemetery that is getting full fast. The cemetery can't expand because Capestro, the man ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Weiland

Writer:

Saul Turteltaub

Stars:

Jean Reno, Mercedes Ruehl, Polly Walker

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean Reno	...	Marcello
Mercedes Ruehl	...	Roseanna 'Rosa'
Polly Walker	...	Cecilia
Mark Frankel	...	Antonio
Trevor Peacock	...	Fredo Iaccoponi
Fay Ripley	...	Francesca
George Rossi	...	Sergeant Baggio
Giuseppe Cederna	...	Father Bramilla
Roberto Della Casa	...	Bruno Rossi
Luigi Diberti	...	Capestro
Renato Scarpa	...	Doctor Sergio Benvenuto
Romano Ghini	...	Umberto
Giovanni Pallavicino	...	Enzo
Jorge Krimer	...	Salvatore
Daniele Ferretti	...	Nunzio

Storyline

Roseanna is dying of a heart condition, and all she wants is to be buried next to her daughter, in a cemetery that is getting full fast. The cemetery can't expand because Capestro, the man who owns the land next to the cemetery, won't sell. While Marcello is doing good deeds to make sure no one dies, Roseanna thinks of Marcello's future.

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Plot Keywords:

cemetery | train ride | tightrope | terminal illness | funeral | 

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Taglines:

A comedy to die for.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexuality and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Fine Line Features

Country:

USA Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 June 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

For Roseanna

Filming Locations:

Anzio, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$45,163 (USA) (4 July 1997)

Gross:

$72,588 (USA) (11 July 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spelling Films International, Fine Line Features, Hungry Eye Trijbits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Marcello: It has too much garlic...
Roseanna: There is no such things as too much garlic!

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Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Men in Black/Wild America/Out to Sea (1997)

User Reviews

A superb, classy, tragic comedy

This film is one of those wonderful hidden gems that restore your faith in both film making and storytelling.The opening premise is that a mans'wife is soon to die from an incurable disease and that her last wish is to be buried in the village church graveyard. Unfortunately there is just one plot left!

Naturally there are a number of other villagers even closer to deaths' door.The husband, Marcello,is brilliantly played by Jean Reno. He delivers a virtuoso performance which carries the film dashing around saving the lives of other villagers in order that his wife can secure the last plot! Part romantic comedy, part farce, part love story, part tragedy, this superbly crafted tale had me laughing and holding back a tear in equal measure.

The farce scenes rival Feydeau at his best in the likes of 'Hotel Paradiso', slapstick with style. Yet Reno as Marcelo, ably assisted by his comic "sraight" partner, Mercedes Ruehl as his wife Roseanna, also produces a pathos for the tragic circumstances which underscore his credentials as a very fine actor.Unmissable. A real treat.